UKAD hosts international Data Analytics Workshop to collaborate on data-driven approaches to tackling doping in sport.

Last week, UKAD, in collaboration with Sport Integrity Australia, hosted its first Data Analytics Workshop in London. The event brought together 16 International Anti-Doping Organisations (ADOs) to explore collaborative, data-informed decision making and ethical use of AI. 

In 2023, UKAD established an International Data Analytics Working Group, to convene a community of ADOs and co-ordinate collaborations that leverage data effectively to deliver benefits in the efficiency and effectiveness of anti-doping programmes. This group has grown at pace and the aim of this workshop was to gather members in-person to formalise ways of working, prioritise key use cases, and to explore the rapidly evolving AI landscape and its potential in anti-doping. 

Day 1 Highlights:

• An external speaker discussed how international analytics collaborations are used in crime intelligence.
• Participants engaged in group exercises to design a new framework for sharing knowledge and building analytical skills.
• The group began prioritising new initiatives using these refined methods.

Day 2 Highlights:

• The focus was on implementing AI in anti-doping, noting that AI is still new in this field.
• A panel session featured two ADOs who are piloting AI to aid productivity and education.
• Group exercises emphasised the need for core ethical values such as transparency and fairness and the benefits of sharing examples to foster connections, peer review, and innovation.

Sam Pool, UKAD’s Head of Insight and Innovation, said

“Harnessing developments in data analytics and AI is a strategic priority for UKAD. We see immense potential in collaborating on this rapidly evolving topic with the international community of ADOs and embracing approaches from other sectors. 

“Meeting in-person allowed us to share valuable lessons and discuss best practices moving forwards. The event was expertly facilitated by three members of AxiaOrigin, which ensured that high quality outputs were created and made available for attendees straightaway. We thank AxiaOrigin for their continued support towards our data analytics activities.

“We are also grateful to Sport Integrity Australia for their partnership in this event, which has helped unlock the potential of the Data Analytics Working Group and set a pipeline of initiatives for the coming years.”

Michael Harkins, Sport Integrity Australia’s Director of Anti-Doping Testing, said

“Working together is key. In the anti-doping community, we share a common goal. By sharing our knowledge and skills, we can have a bigger impact. The data analytics space is moving too fast for anyone to be working alone. This workshop was a great opportunity to share, learn, and build a strong network dedicated to protecting clean sport.

“I'd like to thank UKAD for being the driving force in this space and to AxiaOrigin for their facilitation and contributions at the workshop.”

We extend our thanks to the delegates for their time and valuable input during the sessions. We look forward to contributing to the wide-ranging activities relevant to this group. Additionally, the Data Analytics Working Group collectively intends to keep the wider anti-doping community updated on progress and opportunities for collaboration.